Local Planning Reform Needed To Make WA The Best

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Local Planning Reform Needed To Make WA The BestWestern Australia is making significant leaps forward in reforms to its planning systems and frameworks, but the failure of local government boundary reform was a missed opportunity, finds the latest comprehensive national assessment of Australia’s planning frameworks.The 2015 Development Assessment Report Card commissioned by the Property Council of Australia ranked Western Australia’s planning system second in Australia, behind only the Northern Territory. Property Council of Australia WA Deputy Executive Director Lino Iacomella said that the industry recognised the WA Government’s systematic approach to delivering planning reform. “Although it’s not perfect, the WA Planning Commission is the envy of the nation when it comes to delivering coordinated planning policy and system improvements.””The report praised the introduction of Development Assessment Panels in WA for providing professional determination of major projects at the local level.””However, the failure of local government reform was a big setback. Investors need clear and impartial decision making processes, where the community know the rules too so that development isn’t an adversarial process.””Reforms are needed to ensure local governments carry out their planning controls fully in line with state planning policies and as delegated from the Planning Commission.”The report puts forward a raft of recommendations for further reform in WA, including:WA Planning Commission to assist local government to deliver their core planning functions and strategic plans more effectively, and ensure local council consistency in planning schemes and development codes.Implementation of a specific, economic focused planning strategy, which underpins housing and employment delivery for the state.Further and ongoing communication to address local government and public perceptions about housing density.Implementation of an Infrastructure Delivery Plan to outline government priorities and available funding and timing of provision.The introduction of development codes for non-residential developmentThe national media release can be found here. A copy of the report is below.Media contact: Lino Iacomella | T 9426 1204 | E [email protected]